Qatar- Glittering start to jewellery and watches expo

(MENAFN- The Peninsula) By Raynald C Rivera | The Peninsula

Doha: Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani inaugurated the 16th edition of Doha Jewellery and Watches exhibition (DJWE) yesterday at Doha Exhibition and convention Center (DECC).

The six-day event took off to a glittering start with the participation of more than 500 brands from 10 countries spread over DECC's 29,000sqm space.

H E the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior along with a number of Ministers, Ambassadors, and VIPs toured the various pavilions to view the fine jewellery and watch collections on display including those by local designers.

The presence of internationally renowned Indian film actress and fashion icon, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, added glamour to the opening event as a special celebrity guest, courtesy of Qatar Airways, DJWE's Official Airline Partner.

Qatar's premier jewellery and watch patrons are exhibiting and presenting their collections to an international audience, including Alfardan Jewellery, Ali Bin Ali Group, Al Majed Jewellery, Amiri Gems, and Fifty One East. This year's edition sees the participation of world-class brands for the first time, such as Tiffany & Co and L'Atelier du Bracelet Parisien, and the return of Bulgari to showcase its unique collection of luxury jewellery and watches.

Akbar Al Baker, Secretary-General of QNTC, commented: 'As the Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition celebrates its 16th year, we are honoured that His Excellency the Prime Minister, Minister of Interior and Chairman of QNTC has opened the show, ushering in a new edition of one of the oldest and fastest-growing exhibitions in Qatar and the region.

Al Baker said: 'Over 15 years, DJWE has witnessed important developments, both in terms of the level of local and international participation, and in terms of the level of events taking place on the show's sidelines, which have focused on harbouring and transferring industry knowledge between consumers, manufacturers and experts.

'We are proud of the sizeable Qatari participation in this key event, and I'd particularly like to recognize the Young Qatari designers who are contributing stunning and luxurious pieces that are presenting strong competition to international brands, he concluded. The Young Qatari Designers (YQD) initiative returns for the third year with the participation of 12 local designers in a pavilion dedicated to Qatari talent.

A highlight of the DJWE 2019 is an Indian pavilion as part of the celebration of the Qatar-India 2019 Year of Culture displaying dazzling collections of 13 designers representing the most important brands from across India.

Prestigious French watch making experts Objectif Horlogerie is conducting unique handcraft workshop where visitors can learn about the fascinating and complex watchmaking industry and assemble their own unique watches.

French industry expert Geoffroy Ader, in cooperation with the newly formed Qatar Watch Club, will hold informal discussions on the watch and jewellery industry at the Majlis, daily at 4pm and 5pm. Watch lovers and collectors will gather with the Qatar Watch Club at the Majlis every day at 6pm.

Visitors can also get valuable information about the world of jewelry, diamonds and pearls, through jewellery manufacturing workshops conducted by master jewellers and gemmologists. The exhibition also offers jewelry services and consultations, including valuable advice from gem experts from the famous French auction house, Artcurial. Also, the one-day DJWE Forum takes place today at the Marriott Marquis City Center Doha as one of the highlights of the event.

DJWE is open to visitors every day from 12 noon till 10pm until Monday, 25 February, and on Friday between 4pm and 10pm.

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